Bailly Lapierre Crémant de Bourgogne Reserve NV has
“the same French pedigree and quality without the
steep price of admission,” says John Ryan of Ryan’s Wine & Spirits
in North Wilmington. ($19.99) (ryanswinesandspirits.com)

Delaware Wine Experts Name Their Favorites

Musician and Millsboro resident Paul Cullen recommends this dry rose from his label, Paul Cullen Wines. A blend of Petite Syrah and the Italian grape Fiano, it is “slightly acidic, fruity, colorful, playful,” he says. “It pairs well with lighter proteins like chicken and turkey.” $15 (paulcullen.net)

Chaddsford Winery Spiced Apple

Chaddsford Winery encourages customers to “drink the wine they like,” and apparently, they like Spiced Apple, which makes you feel as warm and fuzzy as Grandma’s apple pie. Serve warm or chilled. $12.99. (610-388-6221, chaddsford.com)

Domaine Rion Jean Charles Bourgogne Hautes Cotes de Nuits

The air is crisp not cold. Food is heartier but not yet stew-worthy. A burgundy aptly bridges the seasonal gap, says Mike Whitwell, director of operations for Premier Wine & Spirits, which has locations on Limestone Road and in Newport. Serve with roast pork, braised apples and clove. $21. (996-9463, 998-6903, premierwinespirits.com)

J. Lohr Hilltop Cabernet Sauvignon

In fall, Ryan German appreciates this wine. “It pairs well with a hearty pasta like short rib or a ragu over homemade pappardelle,” says German, owner of Caffé Gelato in Newark, which is known for its wine selection. $9 a glass. (738-5811, caffegelato.net, jlohr.com)

Mike Rossi, owner of the wine-centric Domaine Hudson, describes this wine as light-bodied and fresh. “It won’t break the bank,” he says. The restaurant pairs the wine with poussin (a young chicken), served with rainbow chard, cranberries, bacon risotto and maple essence. $3 for a 1½-ounce pour; $6 for a 3-ounce pour; $10 for a 5-ounce pour. (655-9463, domainehudson.com)